Author: Richard B. (Richard Blankson) Dadzie.

Comparative studies between Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia have shown divergence in economic growth and development. This study argues that in order for Sub- Saharan Africa to make progress in its quest for development, countries in the region must carefully and seriously study the development experiences of late-industrializing economies in East Asia. They must adopt where possible those practices that led to their structural transformation and economic success. The case of Ghana and Malaysia provide an excellent example of two nations similar at independence but different today. In explaining their divergence, economy-wide and sector-specific comparisons are made to highlight their experiences and formulate lessons for Ghana's development. Fieldwork in Central Region, Ghana and Sarawak, Malaysia is used as a backdrop to discuss agricultural transformation and rural development. In explaining the divergent development experiences of these two nations, the analytical toolset of heterodox development economists is extensively used. Concepts such as the developmental state, embedded autonomy and social legitimacy are used to highlight the role of the state in the process of economic change, and theories of modern money and institutional adjustment are discussed in relation to the creation of a Ghanaian developmental state.